Entanglement started as an online puzzle game and has since been fleshed out with more content and introduced onto the App Store. I will make comparisons to the online version for those of you wondering why you should pay for a game you can play free online.

Gameplay

Entanglement HD offers two modes of play to enjoy with a classic mode and gold rush mode. Classic mode features the same gameplay as the online game, you try to make the longest path possible with tiles that have random multiple different paths to choose from without running into any of the walls. This sounds like an easy feat but is complicated by the fact that as you play more tiles to build your active path you will start to see you are also creating alternate empty paths that you can try to loop back into for major points. Classic mode also has some new features not available in the online version like three additional game board layouts to play on besides the classic game board, they are the hive, ladybug, and star boards.

The game is scored by a couple factors like the overall distance of your active path and combo moves. Combo moves are when you connect your active path to an existing empty path, the longer the empty path you connect to the more points scored. Gold rush mode is also an exclusive new mode not available in the online version of this game and is a variant on the classic mode that features gold paths that can score you extra points if used in your active path. There are also gold paths built into some of the walls to add another layer of complexity and another way to score additional points. The four game boards available in classic mode are the same four boards available in gold rush mode

In both game modes you have the option to play with one to six players on the same iPad and in both game modes the game is over when your path is forced into a wall. Entanglement is a fun game to play alone and is a real battle with multiple players.

There is also a third icon on the game mode select screen that says "coming soon! free!", which suggests that there is another game mode in the works for a future free update. Entanglements gameplay is easy to understand but also has a layer of complexity and strategy rarely seen in this type of casual puzzle game, it keeps pulling me back to play it for a short game or two.

Graphics

The graphics are bright and crisp, helping make it easy to see what is going on in the game. The touch controls work as you would hope with simple ways to manipulate the game tiles as well as scroll and zoom the game board and easily see all the tangled paths.

Sound

There is no background music in this game which is a little odd but you can play your own music so that helps if you need to listen to something while you play. There are sound effects for everything you would expect like spinning and placing your tiles as well as when you score points.

Conclusion

Entanglement has been a surprise from the beginning, it has really earned its place as one of my favorite puzzle games. This game should appeal to any puzzle game fan and most casual game fans and has great replay value with different boards to play on as well as randomly generated game tiles to ensure a fresh new game every time. This game is well worth the asking price.

Ratings (scale of 1 to 5):

Graphics: -4- The graphics look good and work well with the game but do look a little bland.Sound: -4- Oddly missing any background music but it does allow you to play your own music. There are sound effects for everything you would expect and they fit the game well.Controls: -5- Controls work well for observing the game board and for placing game tiles.Gameplay: -5- A fun and simple game with a nice layer of strategy, that keeps you coming back for more again and again.